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Friday, October 31, 2014

The Masskara Festival is held each year during the 3rd week of October in Bacolod City, known for being a relatively friendly city and it bears the nickname "City of Smiles". The word "Masskara" was coined by the late AAB president Ely Santiago from the two words "mass" which means "many or a multitude of the people" and the Spanish "kara" meaning "face", thus means a multitude of smiling faces. A smiling mask created by the organizers to dramatize the Negrenses happy spirit.

Like any other Festivals they also have Masskara Street Dance Competition, competing different Barangays in Bacolod City with their colorful masked dancers gyrate to the infectious rhythm to the Latin musical beat in an astonishing display of proficiency, array, coordination and stamina.

Some highlights of their Festivals are the beauty pageant, drum and bugle corps competitions, sports events, food festivals, carnivals, musical concert and electric masskara (so sad :( I was not able to witness their electric masskara) better luck next time :).

Masskara Dance Competition

Masskara Street Dance Contest

Masskara Dance Competition

Me in the crowd, great experience indeed. I really enjoyed the Festival and I would like to say thank you/we (Me, Neil and Jed) THANK YOU! Darwin Asuncion for providing the accommodation free of charge during our stay in Bacolod City.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

This is not my story, I would just like
to share a story from concerned citizen/climber enthusiast that
everyone should be aware of.

Last Saturday, September 6, 2014, we
have reserved 20 slots for the Mt. Lanaya day hike via Barangay
Legaspi Trail with some friends from Luzon and Mindanao, with the aim
to help promote Mt. Lanaya as one of the Mountain Climbing
destinations here in Cebu. Upon booking, we were not informed of any
updates on the Hike fee that is being imposed by the LGU. With this,
we expected that we will only be paying Php10.00 for the hike fee,
just like how much we were charged before. Also, we expected that we
will be assigned with some guides, expecting to pay them for only
Php200.00 each – the same with what we paid few months ago.

Unfortunately, we were only shocked to
know that we were obliged to pay Php50.00 for the hike fee and
Php500.00 for each guide, requiring us to have 1 guide for every 5
guests/hikers, upon arriving and registering our names at the
Barangay Legaspi trail entry. We were required to pay Php2,850.00 for
the total of 19 participants which includes the hike fee and 4
guides.

Upon agreeing to pay the said amount,
we asked for an official receipt; however, they only provided us with
an acknowledgement receipt, saying that the Municipality is still working
on an Ordinance to make things official and that they are still trying
to produce the official receipts; and that these new fees has been
implemented only since “last month”.

At first, we were very optimistic to
promote the area and help the locals. But all the inspirations
expired when along the hike, we have noticed that only 1 out of the 4
guides (named Ian, who was in the head group) was able to see which
trail to follow towards the peak of Lanaya. It became so annoying to
us that the 3 guides who were assigned to lead the middle group and
the tail group kept CALLING Ian saying lines like “Ian, huwata mi”
or “Ian, asa na mo dapit?”, or “Ian, ayaw lang kaayo palayo”.
Instead of hearing the sounds of nature, which is one of the purpose
of climbing mountains, we were dismayed to hear such calls from the
guides whom we paid to help us were not first timers in Mt. Lanaya.
We were wondering why and how they became accredited guides when they
do not know the trails and were even afraid to be left alone with the
group; not to mention that they were almost lost in the woods, unable
to find the final trail towards the peak. Worst, the guide who was
with us in the head pack/group did not even bother to go back to the
trail and help the rest of the guides find their way.

I am writing this letter (to Department of Tourism - Region VII) NOT to scold
anyone of file a complain. I just simply want to help you. I love the
trails and the view of Mt. Lanaya and I am very saddened with this
situation, worst to the point, that I cannot anymore suggest this
trip to my friends here in Cebu nor from other places in the country.
I will not do any recommendations to anyone who will ask me about Mt.
Lanaya; not until you will fix this problem. And I am very much
willing to help you.

The concerned citizen was right, in order
to make things better and to make Mt. Lanaya be attractive to
hikers/climbers; if the local ordinance is already approved and to be
implemented, they should provide all the details to anyone and make
sure that all fees, regulations, etc. has been relayed to the
inquirer and should be posted in front of the Barangay Hall of
Legaspi.

Official Receipts (current Official
Receipt of the Municipality) must be issued as mandated by law.

It is very important that all
accredited guides have undergone TECHNICAL training about hiking
(which includes trail and camp management, trail etiquette, etc.),
emergency response, ropemanship, sanitation (which includes proper
garbage disposal), security and safety.

Below is the response letter (some important points) from the
Department of Tourism Region – VII.

Thank you Ma'am for sharing this information that everyone should know. We are hoping that the Department of Tourism - Region VII will conduct an investigation regarding this matter and hoping for a positive response as soon as possible.

And I quote "Okay, if you will not pay the guide then there is nothing to talk about"- admin officer. Pinakuha pa sa pitaka ug ingon dayon "Okay kuya, I will pay you 500 for them" (ug daghan pang satsat sa admin). Iya gipasuwat among mga names tapos we asked her nga para asa?unsay purpose? she told us nga for the UPDATES? lol.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Oslob was once an unchartered territory when it comes to tourism. Visitors prefer to visit other beach destinations in Cebu, but that all changed in 2011 when tourists began flocking to see one of the world’s gentle giants – whale sharks. Whale sharks, the biggest fish in the ocean and one of the of the gentlest creatures known to mankind, can be seen and interacted in this southern town of Cebu.

The southern region of Cebu is a local’s secret when it comes to tourism. Home to pristine beaches and secluded shores, yet it was just a few years ago that people began to come here all year-round specifically in Oslob.

Why Oslob?

Like other coastal towns in Cebu, Oslob’s residents primary source of livelihood is fishing. Gifted with healthy marine life, people rely on fishing and in fact, fishing is their life. Reports have been said that even before the formality of whale shark watching tours in Oslob in the later part of 2011, fishermen have been feeding these whale sharks-- like their own pets.

So it was natural for these local fishermen to “call” the gentle giants to the enjoyment of visitors. Donsol, Sorsogon in Luzon seemed to have been stripped of its title, “Whale Shark Capital of the Philippines”. The main advantage of whale shark watching in Oslob? It is an all-year-round experience.

Unlike other whale shark watching destination in the Philippines, visitors don’t have to wait long to spot these gigantic marine creatures. In other places, there is no assurance that you can see or spot them. Sometimes, seeing them means travel or being on the water for hours.

But not in Oslob, previous visitors swear how fishermen and guide seemed to have a personal relationship with these animals. The whale sharks come and not threatened to be around with humans.

What awaits you?

Whale watching tours in Oslob takes center stage in Baranggay Tan-awan. There are different kinds of encounter that can suit to all types and ages of the visitors. Mostly, visitors come in boats – in small outrigger canoe locally known as banca. With safe life vests, guests can watch the whale sharks from the boat.

Visitors can also feel free to jump into the water and swim with them. Snorkel for a deeper look to these gigantic marine animals! The experience is surreal and beyond words. Whale sharks come in different sizes as well.

Enjoy whale shark watching tours in Oslob as part of your southern Cebu trip. To maximize your time in the south, book your holidays in one of the neighboring resorts like those in Alcoy like Divepoint Alcoy. These resorts have modern facilities to take you to these nature-inspired activities and have amenities to make your vacation truly relaxing and comfortable.

Seeing and interacting with the whale sharks should not be missed when coming to Cebu. This activity is one thing that draws visitors to come to the Philippines – one memorable and unique travel experience.

This post is written by Edgar M., he is a freelance travel agent and online marketing consultant of Divepoint Alcoy Resort.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Are you excited Cebuanos for the Sinulog 2014? Oh yeah!, likewise! Sinulog is the mother of all festivals in the country (in honor of the Senyor Santo Niño), it is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City and the Sinulog Contest is usually held in the Cebu City Sports Complex. See you all there! dancing in the street, feel the heat and enjoy the beat on January 19, 2014 for the Sinulog Grand Parade 2014.

I just remembered when I joined Sinulog Photo Contest 2013, it was fun then but unfortunately, I did not make it (I am just a noob). Hahaha. Well, I must try for Sinulog Photo Contest 2014, I hope 2014 is my lucky year.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

A place for adventurers and waiting to be discovered by the rest of the traveling community, the southern coast of Cebu has created one of the stunning coastlines of white sand beaches, coves, cliffs and inviting clear water. Not to mention is the lively fisherfolk communities that make these areas more authentic.

Beaches in the southern towns of Cebu are mostly free from rowdy tourists and still “natural”, free from modern and commercialism of local tourism. It is in these beaches that you will feel that you own the beach – even if it is a public beach.

For those who want to experience beach bumming or beach hopping in the southern part of Cebu, here are five of the best beaches in Cebu’s southern region.

Alcoy’s main beach, Tingko Beach is the closest to Cebu City and great for those who want to experience the stunning beaches of the south without traveling too far. The main attraction of the town, it remains very laidback offering relaxing beach getaways for visitors. This beach in Alcoy is noted for its clear water and longer white-sand shoreline accentuated with big limestone boulders. Alcoy’s beach is also a nice base camp for divers from resorts like Dive Point Alcoy.

Moalbaoal is synonymous with diving but many visit this southern town for its beaches. As the name suggest, this is a white-sand beach. The shoreline is wider and longer, accommodating even large volumes of tourists during weekends and holidays. Like the rest of the great beaches along southern Cebu, its clear water lures beachgoers to White Beach in Moalboal.

Badian has long been famous for its falls, Kawasan Falls but after decades of promoting local tourism, visitors discover more and more about this wonderful town in southern Cebu. Aside from falls, visitors can spend their time along the beaches of Badian and one of these is Lambug Beach. White-sand stretching far enough for beachgoers to enjoy the shores that is totally unspoiled. It has enough space for campers to put up their tent or enjoy the sun and sand on a beautiful day.

For those who want a beach along southern Cebu that is totally untouched by commercial tourism, head off to Samboan. The beaches here are small but will mark an impression for its soft sand, clear water and totally zero crowd. With its public beaches, you can just enjoy the beach with locals busy with their fishing.

If you prefer to enjoy the beautiful shores of southern Cebu with complete amenities and facilities, plan your trip to Boljoon. A historically rich seaside town, Boljoon has many beaches - long stretches to secluded coves. Boljoon has one of the many resorts in southern Cebu offering visitors choices, which are mostly budget-friendly. The town is just 30 minutes away from the famous Oslob whale shark watching.

If you want to enjoy the real beauty of Cebu’s beaches, look them in the southern region of the island. It is here where you can find the most stunning beaches that are not as crowded compered to other beaches while others are completely considered a local’s “secret”.

This post is written by Edgar M., he is a freelance travel agent and online marketing consultant of Divepoint Alcoy Resort.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The only Award giving body for BLOGGERS in Cebu since 2008 (Best Cebu Blogs Awards) will hold it's 6th Awards Night on December 7, 2013 at Avalon Building, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.

I am glad to share that itineraryoftravel.com has been chosen as one of the FINALISTS (Travel Blog Niche). To those who trusted and voted itineraryoftravel.com, you've boosted my confidence and inspired me to continue sharing newsworthy travel information. For all the undying sponsors, you give us reasons to always do better in what we do.

Thank you to all the juries who helped the team to pick the award for BEST CEBU BLOGS 2013 from
different niches like Food, Fashion, Photo, Travel, Technology, Personal and Entertainment.

Unfortunately, I can't attend of the said event. In my behalf, I am sending JOSIE MAE MARI – Co-Founder of BANGON PILIPINAS MISSION (It is an independent organization run by young professionals in Cebu City.)

A huge THANKS to our great sponsors of your gracious and unwavering support for BEST CEBU BLOGS Awards 2013.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The panaad stadium was built on August 1997 to April 1998 and it was expanded in 2007, 2010 and 2011 inorder to accommodate thousands of people. This stadium is owned and managed by Provincial Government of Negros Occidental. The Stadium has a seating capacity of 34,900 for regular seats and 40,000 people with standing areas. The panaad stadium is located inside the Panaad Park and Sports Complex in Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

This stadium is not only for the football league but all athletic games
can be done here. It also boasts of its olympic size swimming pool,
rubberized track field just like in Cebu City Sports Complex in Abellana
that made such a positive difference in Cebuanos lives.

The 2005 Football Southeast Asian Games was held at the Panaad Stadium and was later the venue of the qualifiers of the 2007 ASEAN Football Championship and participated by Timor Leste, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Philippines. The stadium is the venue of the annual Panaad sa Negros Festival, a week long celebration participated in by all cities and municipalities in the province.

Panaad sa Negros Festival

Considered as the biggest festival of Negros Occidental, dubbed as the “Mother of all Festivals. The festival was started in 1993. This festival brings together 13 cities and 19 municipalities of Negros Occidental to showcase their, culture, history, agriculture, tourism, trade and other industries of Negros Occidental.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The city of Cebu is the capital city of the province of Cebu and is the second city of the Philippines. It is the first Spanish settlement of country and is the oldest city in the Philippines. In the past, the city had played a vital role in trade and commerce in Asia because it is blessed with a natural harbour. If you are planning your next holiday trip to Cebu then get your cameras ready because Cebu is a kaleidoscope of varying cultures, lifestyle where east meets west. It is a city of elegance and style, a seamless fusion of things both traditional and modern. The great cultural diversity, marine life and people are among the top reasons that compel visitors to select this destination which is fondly referred as “Queen City of the South”.

Cebu has a lot of cultural history as compared to other parts of country. On a visit to Cebu one can get a chance to visit its various museums that depict the glorious past of not only the city itself but the whole country. The monuments, churches and houses are as old as the city itself. A visit to Cebu is like turning the pages of bygone era that will surely touch your heart. ”. Make a plan and fly to Cebu, a city which is influenced by various cultures and lifestyles but has its own unique charm that remains unaffected with the passage of time. The city of Cebu is festooned with numerous gems but there are few major attractions that you must not skip at all.

Colon Street:-It is among the oldest streets in country which is built during Spanish settlement in 16th century. It was once the heart of Cebu city and its main business and shopping center. The city was named after Christopher Columbus which is Cristobal Colon in Spanish.

Imperial Palace Water Park:- If you want to enjoy beach site activities and thrill of water rides then it is the best place for you. Designed for all ages the resort has fun-filled thrilling rides as well as great accommodation experience. Located at Mactan Island just few minutes away from Mactan International Airport, it offers an ultimate holiday experience to its visitors.

Visit Magellan’s Cross:-It is one of the key landmarks of Cebu city. The original version of this cross was erected by Ferdinand Magellan himself where Rajah Humabon, the ruler of Cebu and his followers were converted to Christianity in 1521. The existing cross was built in 1845 and actually incorporates remnants of original cross.

Dazzling marine life:- The city has a natural harbour and is thus blessed with inviting blue waters full of vividly colored corals reefs and aquatic creatures. It is blessed with some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling destinations such as Mactan Island, Moalboal, Malapascua and Sunken Island that offer world class experience to its visitors.

Cebu Taoist Temple:-Taoist Temple is among the popular attractions of city. Taoist temple is a towering temple elevated by 300 meters above the sea level is located in Beverly Hills subdivision. Its entrance is a replica the Great Wall of China and the structure was constructed by local Chinese community. To enjoy all this serenity and cultural diversity just book business class flights to Cebu and give a flying start to your journey.

Beaches of Bantayan Island:- Bantayan is one of Cebu’s must visit attractions. It is famous for its white powdery sand, crystal clear water along with tantalizing seafood. It is an amazing place to enjoy a perfect day trip to enjoy beach site activities.

Mouthwatering food:- Filipinos love food and Cebu is no exception. No visit to Cebu would be complete without pampering your taste buds with amazing seafood meal and Sutukil. Pick what you want yourself and have it cooked your ways.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Manila could be ideal
destination for those who have love for big city. The capital of
Philippines is second name of frenetic pace, shop till drop options,
drool inducing dining joints and numerous colonial buildings. With 12
million people, the city offers a great diversity which attracts
wanderers towards the city. The city is a great destination in itself
but not as dazzling as its Asian rivals like Bangkok and Singapore.
With impressive colonial history, magnificent architecture and jovial
population, the city provides enough reasons to keep demand for
Manila
flights soaring.

Here we are listing a
number of things to do in Manila.

Be a History Buff

If you want to explore
city differently, then you should take a look on its history and you
will find the whole experience interesting. Visit the colonial
buildings, explore China Town or see the historical artefacts at
National Museum. Every experience is enriching and unique to the
core.

Have an Ear for Music

You may have visited
various music shows and festivals but brace for music of a different
kind. Visit Saint Joseph Church and get entertained by music of only
bamboo organ in the world. This nineteenth century church organ is
made up of bamboo. The bamboo organ is declared a National Cultural
Treasure and now attracting tourists from different corners of the
world.

Shop, Sleep, Shop

Metro Manila is also a
shoppers’ paradise as tourists can find designer labels from around
the world here. The city is replete with designer boutiques which are
often raided by shop-till-drop brigade. Greenhills is the shoppers’
hubs but it is also very crowded. We suggest you to go to Mandaluyong
where you can shop at Malls like SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza, and
The Podium that offers an array of local and international brands.
There are hotels and accommodations in the surrounding so if you are
tired off shopping you can retire in your cosy hotel rooms.

Not ready to wander
through the streets? No problem, take another route. Just book a room
in hotel in Muntinlupa and stay there. The place is far from hustle
and bustle of the city, but it is still in the city. Why not give it
a try?

Want to pamper yourself?
Pave your way to Makati where you can have dinner at scrumptious
dining options and relax at bars and lounges.

With so many things to do
and so many options to explore, the Filipino national capital is an
ideal place for vacation. If you are postponing your Manila trip due
to budget constraints then book
a cheap flight to Manila from Birmingham and arrive this
city that amazes tourist with variety.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Few things are as stressful as traveling. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the idea of packing everything you need into a small suitcase and leaving home for an extended amount of time can be overwhelming. Follow the advice in this article to help you turn your travels into an enjoyable experience.

Keep your money in your front pocket when walking around in a new city or location. It is far easier for a pick pocket or other criminal to snatch money out of your back pocket without you even realizing it. Having your money in the front gives you more control, especially if you walk with your hands in your pockets.

When traveling to tropical areas, always keep your dirty laundry in a closed bag. Hotels and homes in tropical parts of the world aren't as bug-proof as most American homes. Dirty laundry will attract insects, especially ants, meaning that clothing that was simply dirty, is now completely unwearable for the rest of the trip.

Young women traveling alone may want to invest in a simple gold plated band or cubic zirconium ring. Wear the ring on your left ring finger which signals that you are married or engaged. This keeps potential suitor at bay and gives an excuse for unwanted attention in hotels, airports and buses. While it may seem a tad dishonest, it can keep you from getting hit on if you are alone in unfamiliar places.

If you are traveling to the beach or staying at a hotel with a pool, pack your swimsuit in your beach bag. It can sometimes be difficult to sort through everything you have packed. To save time, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and anything else you might need for the beach or pool in a beach bag.

To decide if you should buy travel insurance, you need to look at how much the trip is going to cost. At some date in the future, many reservations can't be canceled without some financial penalty. Looking to see how much is already at risk if you have to cancel is a great way to get an idea of what you might be willing to spend to insure a trip.

Planning your travel in advance is always good advice to follow. Make sure to plan your trip at least a month or a few weeks in advance to ensure you have enough time to make changes. Planning ahead leaves more room for error and gives you more time to get the best deals on travel packages.

When you're taking a trip that requires a passport or any type of paperwork for that matter, make sure that you have a second copy available. Go to your local photocopy shop and make a copy of all of your documents. This is a great way to stay safe, even if you lose your original documents or if they are stolen.

Before taking an overseas trip, travelers must remember to check their immunizations. Traveling to a destination on a different continent will expose the traveler to germs and potential infections that his or her body is not used to. The wise traveler will check with a health care professional to determine what new immunizations and boosters he or she needs.

Try and get as much knowledge of the destination you're going to travel to before you arrive there. You want to have an idea of the things you want to do rather than finally getting to the hotel and feeling lost and bored. You can also ask hotel employees and locals where good places to check out are.

When you get to your hotel, check the alarm clock. In some cases, the last person who stayed in the hotel will have previously set the alarm. If you do not wish to be awakened at four in the morning, you may want to double check the all the alarms.

In addition to making a photocopy of your passport before you leave on an international vacation, write down your passport number and place of issue. Store this information in your money belt or wallet, separate from you passport. The more copies of this information you have, the easier it can be to recover lost or stolen passports.

Always carry extra passport photos of yourself and your family. That way, if someone loses their passport, you can walk straight to the embassy prepared to get another. Make sure these are the high-quality photos of the original, because they will not accept a photo taken for any other reason.

Whether you are taking a family vacation or a solo trip, traveling away from home can be a stressful event. There is always so much that needs to be taken care of before you leave, and if you are like most people, there is always something that you need that gets left behind. By applying the advice in this article to your future journeys, you can turn stressful trips into enjoyable memories.

This author is a writer and content producer for Cru Chalets Chamonix, offering five star chamonix accommodation. Our chalets are perfect for summer and winter activities for all the family.